By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After falling into an early 10-point hole, the USA recovered to defeat Puerto Rico, 93-76, in Washington DC Thursday evening.
Veteran Joe Johnson poured 18 points. Matt Ryan added 15 points connecting five of his side’s 13 three-pointers. The team coached by Jim Boylen improved to 2-1 in Group D of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers.
At Havana, Mexico secured the win, 82-72, versus Cuba and went up to 3-0 in Group D.
2023 FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers (first round):
Group A
Paraguay – Panama (25/2, 22:40 CET)
Argentina – Venezuela (26/2, 01:40 CET)
Paraguay – Venezuela (26/2, 22:10 CET)
Argentina – Panama (27/2, 01:10 CET)
Standings
1. Argentina 4 (2-0)
2. Venezuela 4 (2-0)
3. Panama 2 (0-2)
4. Paraguay 2 (0-2)
Group B
Brazil – Uruguay (25/2, 23:10 CET)
Chile – Colombia (26/2, 01:40 CET)
Brazil – Colombia (29/2, 00:00 CET)
Chile – Uruguay (29/2, 02:10 CET)
Standings
1. Brazil 4 (2-0)
2. Uruguay 4 (2-0)
3. Colombia 2 (0-2)
4. Chile 2 (0-2)
Group C
Bahamas – Virgin Islands (26/2, 20:00 CET)
Canada – Dominican Republic (26/2, 23:00 CET)
Canada – Virgin Islands (27/2, 20:00 CET)
Bahamas – Dominican Republic (27/2, 23:00 CET)
Standings
1. Canada 4 (2-0)
2. Dominican Republic 4 (2-0)
3. Virgin Islands 2 (0-2)
4. Bahamas 2 (0-2)
Group D
USA – Puerto Rico 93-76
Cuba – Mexico 72-82
USA – Mexico (27/2, 19:00 CET)
Cuba – Puerto Rico (28/2, 00:00 CET)
Standings
1. Mexico 6 (3-0)
2. USA 5 (2-1)
3. Puerto Rico 4 (1-2)
4. Cuba 3 (0-3)
-The top three teams of each group advance to the next round
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL